Seoul: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in South Korea for talks with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, as the two countries aim to enhance cooperation and exchanges at the defense level.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Koizumi's two-day visit to Seoul marks his first trip in his current role and follows Ahn's visit to Yokosuka near Tokyo in January. The visit underscores the ongoing positive momentum in bilateral relations. Koizumi commenced his visit by paying respects at the Seoul National Cemetery, honoring fallen soldiers.
Later, Koizumi and Ahn visited an Air Force base in Wonju, which is home to South Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team. The visit attracted attention as Japan previously denied a South Korean request for refueling support for the Black Eagles en route to an air show in Dubai last year. The issue stemmed from a Japanese objection to a routine drill conducted by the team over the disputed Dokdo islets.
The ministers resolved this issue during phone talks in December, and in a significant move, the Black Eagles received refueling support at a Japanese air base in Okinawa in January. This marked the first instance of a South Korean military aircraft being refueled by Japanese forces.
During their visit, Koizumi received a briefing on the Black Eagles' operations, and he experienced the cockpit firsthand. Ahn presented Koizumi with a scale model of a Black Eagles jet as a commemorative gift.
The two ministers are set to hold further bilateral talks, building on their recent meeting at a defense forum in Singapore. A key topic of discussion will be how to further expand defense cooperation between the two nations.
A Japanese news outlet recently reported that discussions might include the possibility of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force regularly providing refueling support to the Black Eagles. Observers suggest that Japan is keen to create opportunities for expanded military cooperation with South Korea, despite Seoul's cautious approach due to public unease over direct military ties.